States get bonus for health insurance enrollment figures

States which have followed through and enrolled more children in Medicaid will be awarded a piece of $206 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The department recently announced 15 states will be receiving a portion of the bonus money. To qualify for the funds, states had to undertake program features aimed at making it easier for parents to enroll their children and also prove increased enrollment figures.

"Their actions reflect President Obama's serious commitment to assuring that our country's children get the healthcare they need," says Sebelius. "These performance bonuses demonstrate our support for the effective strategies these states have undertaken."

There are a large number of uninsured children living in the country. Data from the National Center for Children in Poverty says nearly 51 million people lacked coverage last year.

Those with low-incomes are less-likely to purchase health insurance for themselves, but they may be able to qualify for free government programs, such as Medicaid.